Monday, August 31, 2009

Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation Supports Girls in Science & Technology

Photo: Kaitlyn, Paula Beck, Mike Donnelly,
Trish Coghlan and Kristen
Recognizing the need to educate girls in science and technology fields, the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation answered the call by making a $25,000 donation to the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) initiative.
 

“The mission of Girl Scouting is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place,” Mike Donnelly Regional President for Wachovia Bank's Mid-South Region states. “I believe the STEM initiative will help to accomplish this mission by providing girls' in our community with an early education and interest in science, math, technology, and engineering which is critical to the success of our future technology leaders. We are pleased to support this program through the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation.”

Girl Scouts introduces girls of every age to STEM activities that are relevant to everyday life. Whether they’re learning to build the fastest skateboard on the block, explore outerspace, or develop the next technology empire, Girl Scouting prepares her for success. Last year, Wachovia Foundation granted GSNCA funds for the STEM initiative which provided activities that taught girls about water filtration, engineering a bridge and molding metal.

“The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that more than 60 percent of all jobs require some form of technology skills,” Trish Coghlan, CEO of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama states. “Thanks to the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation, Girl Scouts can generate an early interest in the STEM fields by using interactive learning opportunities, which is vital to girls’ success in these subjects and will make them more prepared for their futures.”

Through activities such as building robots, learning how to launch their own rockets, or creating a Web site for their troop, Girl Scouts helps girls build strong foundations to meet the growing need for skilled science and technology professionals worldwide.

“Wachovia continues to recognize that investing in the community is the key to changing it,” Chris Ross, Chairman of the Board of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama notes. “We are proud to partner with them again on our science, technology, engineering and math initiative, and look forward to helping girls learn these skills who will make the world a better place.”

About Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama is a United Way community partner and serves more than 18,000 girls across 36 counties, ages 5-17, who are developing crucial life skills that help them grow courageous and strong so they can make wise choices in today’s world and beyond. For more information, call 800-734-4541 or log on to girlscoutsnca.org/.

About Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation 

The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation is a private foundation that provides grants to eligible 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations to support the following focus areas: Education, Community Development, Health/Human Services, Arts/Culture, Civic and Environment. The mission of the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation is to build strong and vibrant communities, improve the quality of life, and make a positive difference.